COVID-19: Nigerians, Your President Doesn't Give a Damn!

By Festus Ogun

The deadly Coronavirus is the monster keeping the whole world in danger, trouble and fear. It kills so rapidly that all over the world, daily life activities are suspended as the virus appears to bear no cure and can be easily contracted at the slight of any bodily contact. Great nations of the world are in panic and are seriously trembling. Despite the world-class medical facilities available in those countries, their citizens still die in good numbers on a daily basis – almost helplessly. One wonders, if countries with the best medical facilities can become helpless victims of Coronavirus, what is the fate of Nigeria, a country where hospitals are mere consulting clinics?

I digressed.

Coronavirus is very wicked and evil. It bears no pity on a country like Nigeria which is currently in serious leadership crisis. For the growth, betterment and advancement of any nation, leadership is very important. So, why would a country at the verge of getting irretrievably drowned by poor and myopic leadership be, yet again, struck with this frightening virus? Wouldn't that amount double jeopardy and crude heartlessness? But, I digressed again.

As the epidemic gets messier, responsible leaders of the world are putting everything in place to ensure the safety of the lives of their people. But, beyond the medical efforts put in place, various leaders of the world have taken the bold step to address their citizens on the issue, updating them on the efforts put in place thus far and giving a reassurance of their readiness to show leadership at this time of global uncertainties. Sadly, this is not the case in Nigeria.

Ever since the outbreak of Coronavirus, President Muhammadu Buhari has not addressed the people of Nigeria. Expectedly, well meaning Nigerians are no longer comfortable with the deafening silence of the President; as they demand – nay, beg – that he address the nation as a matter of responsibility. Nigerians are seen literally begging their President to address them on a sensitive health issue that can destroy the whole nation if not properly taken care of. But, the President's mouthpiece and social media handlers are busy defending the President's criminal silence; saying it is no must for the President to address his people.

Even the Nigerian Senate called on Buhari to address the nation on this same issue. One of the President's media aide slammed the Senate and describe their imperative and patriotic call on the President as "cheap politics". If a rubber-stamped Senate can demand that the President address Nigerians and the Presidency arrogantly disregard the call, how much more of 'ordinary citizens'? We are in trouble.

But, what is there in merely addressing the nation? Is it not just to mount the barricade and read out a prepared speech? Is it not just to make a 5 or 10 minutes broadcast assuring Nigerians that you are doing something reasonable to contain the epidemic? How much would it cost Buhari to address Nigerians? Or does it mean he is not aware, again?

Addressing a nation, at this period, is one major thing a responsible President should do. It is not a matter of choice; it is what is required of a leader who cares so much about the lives of his people. It is crucial to show up, address the nation and show leadership at certain stage in our national life. Unfortunately, ours is not what a President should be. Buhari who routinely goes on medical tourism to treat his ears with our collective resources would still not hear the agonizing cries of the people of Nigeria? I wonder how Buhari sleeps at night when the whole world is restlessly panicking!

The body language and attitude of leaders in times of challenges goes a long way in the minds of citizens. It breeds assurance and reliance on the competence of the leader. Psychologically, the citizens would be balanced in the hope that they have a leader who understands their yearnings. It allays fears and panic on the part of the citizens and gives hope, trust, emotional stability and comfort. But, what happens when the President does not give a damn?

I am afraid for Nigerians and Nigeria. There is a precarious disconnection between the Nigerian people and the leadership. Buhari seems not to be aware of the pains, fears, agony and concerns of the people. And if he is aware, he appears to be less concerned about what happens to the people of Nigeria in the face of this toxic epidemic. In fairness to him, I prefer to hold the view that the President is "unaware" as he has always been to the troubles permeating the land. To be fairer to Nigerians, however, I daresay we do not deserve a leader that doesn't care or worry a bit about our lives and welfare. Nigerians are too great a people to be ruled by a wicked dictator and incompetent ethnicist.

Leadership is not all about power. It comes with the pertinent duty to shoulder responsibilities and be proactive in delivering the primary purpose which is the security and welfare of the people as enshrined under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. Buhari's incompetence and nonchalant attitude at this trying period may be worrisome, but there is something more trouble!

I fear that the reason why Buhari is not showing readiness to address us is because he is non compos mentis. And my worry is premised upon the fact that hardly would the President address the public without committing a faux pas that would get one wondering if he understands what he saying or if he has the mental capacity to be in that position. The man is too old to lead! He is no longer in charge and this has been proven anytime he addresses the public, usually off-hand. Until proven otherwise, I can no longer guarantee that Buhari is medically fit to continue occupying that position. Maybe this is why the Presidency is shielding him from addressing us. We understand the situation and his unfitness to lead is no news to anyone. Let him resign, it is the patriotic thing to do. Leading Nigeria is no do or die affair.

As the leadership of the nation crumbles daily, as the right to life would not translate to right to adequate and efficient medical facilities, as our health system is a disaster on its own, what is the fate of an average Nigerian in the face of Coronavirus? Those whose reliance is on the healthcare system should be woken up from their sleep. The tragedy is a complex one; maybe that is why religious leaders would make more sales, this time.

Festus Ogun is a Lawyer-in-equity, Human Rights Activist and Good Governance Advocate. festusogunlaw@gmail.com 09066324982